Once again, I have to tip my hat to the Steelers for knowing just the right time to cut ties. And thanks, Marvel, for all your contributions to the team!
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Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 28, 2009 3:11 PM ET
Just moments after we posted on 49ers tackle Marvel Smith possibly retiring, Mike Florio has confirmed through a league source that Smith is, indeed, through with football.

Smith was originally expected to start at right tackle, but his back problems wouldn't allow it. It's uncertain if Smith earned any guaranteed money from the 49ers, but the team did include clauses in their contract with Smith to protect them from injuries.

Smith won two Super Bowl rings in nine seasons with Pittsburgh, and started throughout their championship run after the 2005 season.

oh well, Smith was a great player for us for many years. I wish him luck

revefsreleets

08-28-2009, 04:20 PM

The Steelers knew his back was terminal. On one hand I feel bad for him because the game I love and he love ruined him, but on the other, I'd sacrifice my back to play NFL football in second.

Smith was a good guy and I'm sad to see him retire, but it IS another example having perfect timing.

RoethlisBURGHer

08-28-2009, 04:26 PM

While it's another example that our front office is very smart by cutting ties with players at the right time.

It is also sad because when he was healthy Smith was one hell of a player, not the greatest LT to ever play but he was pretty damn good.

I hope his back heals up so he can live a normal life outside of football.

Steel Head

08-28-2009, 04:29 PM

I thought his best year was when he was on the right side and we had Gandy on the left.

i remember them pulling him a lot on sweeps and screens and he was a badass in the open field

he did make the probowl as a LT and has 2 SB rings......heck of a career! :drink:

steelreserve

08-28-2009, 04:39 PM

Ahh, that's too bad. But you kind of saw it coming.

In hindsight, that idea about ditching Starks and keeping Smith around and hoping for the best was pretty wishful thinking, and we would've ended up with a rookie left tackle this season.

OneForTheToe

08-28-2009, 04:44 PM

Good luck in retirement Marvel. He's still a Stiller in my eyes. :drink:

Good job by the FO.

Funny, I remember talk of Marvel being a bust his first season or so. Hard to believe that "fan GMs" could have been wrong .... well, just that one time maybe.:scratchchin:

devilsdancefloor

08-28-2009, 04:52 PM

Good luck in retirement:drink::drink::drink:

Indo

08-28-2009, 05:10 PM

The Steelers knew his back was terminal. On one hand I feel bad for him because the game I love and he love ruined him, but on the other, I'd sacrifice my back to play NFL football in second.

Smith was a good guy and I'm sad to see him retire, but it IS another example having perfect timing.

yep wouldn't even give it a second thought if someone said to me, "you can start at position X in the Big Show, but you'll have chronic back pain later".
ME: " where do I sign?"

and yep---thanks for being a Stiller :drink:

Preacher

08-28-2009, 05:14 PM

Wish him the best...

And thank you FO for your heads up call on releasing him.

Edman

08-28-2009, 06:38 PM

Marvel was always a good guy. I wish him well. but the writing was on the wall a while ago the moment that back continued to be a problem. In this league and sport, when your back starts acting up, it's over. Marvel is doing the right thing. He doesn't want to make that back worse.

God Speed Marvel. You've been a wonderful Steeler. Hope you have a quiet and peaceful retirement.

Tackle Marvel Smith's signing in the off-season was a sign of the team's desire to add stability to a very shaky offensive line. Smith might not be around to see that development.

According to Matt Maiocco's Twitter, the nine-year veteran was excused from practice today for personal reasons. He will not be joining the team in Dallas this weekend for their first road game of the preseason.

Maiocco hints that it doesn't look likely that Smith will be able to play this season and a retirement is a possibility.

Smith has been worked slowly into the practices in recent weeks, but none of it was was to the point where it was believable that he was going to be playing full-time.

The 49ers have been fortunate to have the services of Adam Snyder who has filled in for Smith. Snyder will enter the season as the team's starting right tackle.

If Smith does retire, that gives veteran Barry Sims and rookie Alex Boone a chance to make an impact this weekend. Snyder is not expected to play with a knee injury.

The one thing the 49ers want to accomplish this weekend is to have as many players healthy for the regular season. Now with Shaun Hill under center as the starting quarterback, it might be a half of football for the starters. The team has looked great in providing a strong offensive line, so Smith's potential departure won't be a major hit to the team.

His veteran experience (especially the Super Bowl experience), however, was something that I thought the team would have definitely benefitted from.